2026 Cornerstone Chess Academy Launch

2026 Cornerstone Chess Academy Launch

January 2nd-4th

$13,500 prizes, fully guaranteed

Domain Hotel, 1085 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 - $100/night chess rate

5-round Swiss, 90+30, USCF & FIDE Rated (top 4 sections FIDE Rated)

Limited allotment of conditions for IM/GM, reach out to Click here to show mail address to inquire*

2200+ (FIDE Rated): $1,500-$1,000-$500, u2300: $400-$250

2000-2199 (FIDE Rated): $1,000-$600-$400, u2100: $300

1800-1999 (FIDE Rated): $800-$550-$350, u1900: $250

1600-1799 (FIDE Rated): $600-$450-$300, u1700: $200

1400-1599: $400-$300-$200, u1500: $150

1200-1399: $400-$300-$150, u1300: $150

u1200: $400-$300-$150, u1000: $150

Prizes and sections based on USCF ratings

$150 Entry Fee, free for GM/IM/WGM, $50 off for FM/WIM/WFM

$100 Entry Fee for non-FIDE Rated sections (u1600)

$50 play-up, max 15 spots per section, live or published must be within 100 points of section minimum**

$15 late fee after 12/15, $30 after 12/28, $50 onsite up until two hours before the first round

Registration may close if capacity is reached

Registration Link: https://www.kingregistration.com/event/ccalaunch2026

Schedule: Friday, Jan 2nd 7 PM; Saturday, Jan 3rd 11 AM & 5 PM; Sunday, Jan 4th 10 AM & 3:30 PM

Cornerstone Launch Blitz Event

4 Double Rounds Swiss, 3+2, USCF Blitz Rated

Sections based on the higher of USCF Blitz or Regular Rating

1800+: $300-200-150

u1800: $150-100-50

Largest Upset Prize: $50

Sunday, January 4th; 8:30pm-9pm-9:30pm-10pm

EF: All titled players free, $25 by 1/4, $30 on-site, no play-up

Registration closes 7pm online, 8:15pm on-site

USCF NMs may need to reach out to process free entry

Largest upset must be a win, may the best "David" emerge victorious!

*GMs and IMs must play all five rounds in order to receive the agreed upon conditions. Conditions also may be contingent on participation in the post-event blitz tournament.

**If a player's live but not published rating suffices for a section play-up the system may not allow you to register. Please register for the published rating appropriate section and contact us in order to proceed with a manual section override.

• $15 Refund fee until 12/26. 50% refunds available after 12/26 until two hours before the first round.
• Boards, clocks, scoresheets, and pens are provided by the organizer.
• More details, regulations, and exciting side events to be announced soon!
• For all general questions, please reach out to [email protected]
• Byes: Players may request up to two half-point byes before the start of the event.
• Hotel Booking: Domain Hotel Link Please contact if the link is not working, thanks!
• Parking: There is free parking in front of the hotel as well as in the lot below.

Running alongside the Cornerstone Holiday Norm Invitationals!